Kelly Muething

Project Ecologist

Education

Specialties

Marine Biology

Estuarine Ecology

Data Collection and Analysis

Quantitative Analysis

Standardized Sampling

Kelly recently graduated with a Master’s of Science in marine resource management. She has a strong foundation in the biology and ecology of marine ecosystems. From her involvement in a wide variety of science and research endeavors, Kelly has experience in aquaculture and marine plant ecology, estuarine field sampling, taxonomic identification, standardized sampling, and data collection. She also uses GIS for data management, analysis, and mapping of natural resources. Kelly is also familiar with state and federal regulations surrounding marine resource management. Kelly excels at communicating science to the public in an accessible manner.

Examples of Kelly’s project work include the following:

Kelly addressed regulatory compliance issues for an aquaculture expansion project. She reviewed and organized public comments, and assisted with responding to the comments regarding selected biological and environmental issues as part of a final report to aid in the permitting process.

As a faculty research assistant at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at Oregon State University, Kelly conducted fieldwork related to presence of oyster aquaculture in Pacific Northwest estuaries. Work required small boat use and sampling of fish, invertebrates, and seagrass in the intertidal zone. She also assisted in post-processing and analysis of data.

Kelly conducted investigations to determine the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of Evans Creek in Snohomish, Washington, to assist with permitting of a project to place a pre-fabricated bridge over the stream. She used GIS to develop a map for the letter report to be submitted as supporting documentation for regulatory compliance and permitting.